A couple of seasons have passed since I backpacked my way into the Olympics. It was my first solo trip, at least with another human. It didn’t feel very solo to me since my best hiking partner was with me; my dog Asia. I frequently go back and look at this picture. It takes me back to how connected I felt with the bird that was flying up and down the valley, entertaining me. Then he was gone, at least I thought. I turned around and he was 30 feet away, propped there on a rock, looking right at me. Curious. It was at this spot I watched and admired.